About
The British Hemp Alliance (BHA), was formed in 2019 to lobby for change and remove the barriers to growth that are preventing the UK hemp industry from thriving. It is comprised of NGO’s, farmers, businesses, environmental organisations and individuals who want to support progressive changes in hemp legislation.
We believe 3 things have to happen, for the UK hemp industry to fulfil its potential and for hemp be recognised as an essential agricultural and environmentally friendly crop:
All UK Hemp Licences to be administered by DEFRA
At present the hemp license still remains within the remit of the drugs and firearms department of the Home Office, and the process of getting the license is prohibitive. The restrictions are deterring traditional farmers who see hemp as an alternative to ‘traditional’ crops, and with many more applications.
Utilisation of the whole Hemp plant including Leaf & Flower
Farmers are unable to harvest, extract, transport or process the leaf or the flower; it has to be destroyed on site. The flowers are the most profitable parts of the plant that contain the highest concentration of CBD (cannabidiol). At present all CBD extracts used in the UK are imported from Europe, China, Canada and the USA, where it is legal to harvest the hemp flower.
1% Permitted levels of THC Hemp
The EU law allowance of THC in a hemp plant is 0.2% THC. However, in Australia, Ecuador, Uruguay and Switzerland, the plant can contain up to 1% THC. A healthy dose of THC means a healthier plant. 1% THC has no psychoactive effect at this dose; however, the plant is healthier and can produce better crops and flowers.
We believe an unrestricted and thriving hemp industry delivers several key goals in the UK, relevant to both agricultural and environmental policies. It can be used for a range of environmentally friendly and carbon negative products, while actively contributing to mitigating climate change. A thriving domestic hemp industry can kickstart a new green industrial revolution, boost local economies, and help to seed a brighter future in a post-Brexit landscape.